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DEP Update on Zika Surveillance and Response

Harrisburg, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection has released results of surveillance for Aedes mosquitoes, which have been found to be vectors of the Zika virus. At this time, there have not been any cases of Zika transmitted locally in Pennsylvania, nor have mosquitoes tested positive for the virus.

Twenty-six counties in Pennsylvania have active surveillance sites for albopictus mosquitoes, commonly known as Asian Tiger mosquitoes. The mosquitoes are predominantly found in southern and eastern counties. There have not been any specimens of Aedes aegypticollected, which are the primary carrier of Zika in South America. Aedes aegypti have not been found in Pennsylvania since 2002.

Counties conducting surveillance and approximate locations can be found beginning on page 15 of the DEP/PA Department of Health Zika Response Plan. Surveillance statistics for the week ending July 30, 2016 are below.

In addition, in early August, DEP and the Philadelphia Health Department and the Chester County Health Department responded to two imported clusters of travel associated Zika virus cases per the protocols outlined in the Zika Response Plan. Mosquitoes collected in the Philadelphia cluster response activities were tested for Zika and all samples came back negative. Mosquito trapping in Chester County did not find significant populations of the Asian tiger mosquito and samples were not tested.

“The surveillance and cluster response by DEP and county governments has gone exactly to the Zika response plan, and I am pleased to note that there is no evidence of the Zika virus being carried by mosquitoes in Pennsylvania,” said acting DEP Secretary Patrick McDonnell. “I want to continue to encourage residents to take common-sense actions like wearing insect repellant and eliminating standing water to cut down on mosquito activity.”

DEP recommends that residents do simple activities to reduce mosquito activity in their areas:

Have clogged roof gutters cleaned every year as the leaves from surrounding trees have a tendency to plug drains.

Turn over wheelbarrows and plastic wading pools when not in use and don’t let water stagnate in birdbaths.

Aerate ornamental pools or stock them with fish.

Clean and chlorinate swimming pools not in use and remove any water that may collect on pool covers.

Wear insect repellant during times of mosquito activity. Aedes mosquitoes are active during daylight hours.

Keep doors and windows tightly closed, or ensure that screens do not have holes or tears that can allow mosquitoes to get inside the house.

“These mosquitoes are weak fliers, so if you see them, they are likely breeding nearby,” said Matt Helwig, program specialist in DEP’s Vector Management program. “Simple precautions to eliminate potential habitat and avoid contact can lead to a safe and itch-free summer.”

Ebola Information

Juniata County is taking every step to be proactive regarding the current Ebola situation. In an ongoing effort to keep the public informed about the outbreak, we are including the following two informational links.